Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) held the first lecture of 2026-2027 Academic Year at the “60+ Senior Development Program / University of The Third Age” guided by the principle of active and healthy ageing for individuals over 60. EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç delivered the event which took place on Friday, 9 October 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Commenced with the EMU 60+ Oath, the first lecture was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Prof. Dr. Mitat Koz, Chair of Elderly Rights and Mental Health Association Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins, Senior Development Program / University of The Third Age Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu, Senior Development Program / University of The Third Age Executive Board Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, faculty members, volunteering educators who support the program and, students enrolled in the program.
“Reached 115 Students”
In her opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu, Senior Development Program / University of The Third Age Project Coordinator, noted that the program has reached 115 students with the new enrollments in the 2026-2027 academic year. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu stated that approximately 60 of the 70 students who participated in the program last year had renewed their registrations this year, emphasizing that this was a significant indication of the trust and commitment students have developed toward the program. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu also expressed pride in the fact that this level of participation had been achieved solely through the pre-registration process, without any promotional activities beyond the communication channels of the University of the Third Age.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu explained that the curriculum had been carefully developed to reflect the needs, interests, and expectations of participants, noting that 13 courses across a variety of disciplines would be offered this semester. Highlighting that the program encompasses foreign languages, self-care, dance, communication, clinical Pilates, music, painting, basic healthcare, nature, digital literacy, and sports, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu stated that the four-year educational journey is designed to support students’ personal growth and development in a broad range of areas, from health and the arts to technology and personal enrichment.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu indicated that they aimed to create an environment that fosters friendship, social interaction, and shared experiences beyond the classroom. In this regard, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu announced plans to establish a Travel Club this semester, followed by Theatre and English Clubs in the coming periods. Emphasizing that participants are at the heart of the program through their questions, ideas, and valuable life experiences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project and extended best wishes for a new academic year filled with health, happiness, learning, and lasting friendships.
The opening speeches continued with an address by Prof. Dr. Ceren Gezer who talked about longevity. Following her speech, Prof. Dr. Gezer was presented with a bouquet by Senior Development Program / University of The Third Age Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu. The event continued with the introduction of faculty members who will be involved in the Senior Development Program / University of The Third Age program, during which they introduced themselves and outlined their respective roles and responsibilities within the program.
“An Environment where Experience and Knowledge Meets with New Information”
In his address, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed his pleasure in delivering the first lecture to the participants, emphasizing that what brings together individuals of different ages and life experiences is their shared curiosity and passion for learning. Prof. Dr. Kılıç explained that the University aims to create an environment where participants can enrich the knowledge and experience they have accumulated over the years with new learning opportunities. He also warmly welcomed the participants as students and valued members of the EMU family.
Highlighting the importance of lifelong learning in acquiring new skills, building friendships, and making more informed decisions, Prof. Dr. Kılıç underscored the valuable role of participants’ life experiences in fostering connections between generations. Emphasizing the significance of mutual learning and the exchange of experiences within the university environment, Prof. Dr. Kılıç encouraged participants to ask questions, share their interests and curiosities, and actively engage in the learning process. He concluded by extending his best wishes for a productive, enjoyable, and rewarding semester filled with meaningful learning experiences and lasting friendships.
“Learning Knows No Age: Experience, Curiosity, and New Beginnings”
The first lecture was delivered by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç under the title “Learning Knows No Age: Experience, Curiosity, and New Beginnings.” During his presentation, Prof. Dr. Kılıç explored the benefits of learning in everyday life, the importance of combining accumulated life experiences with new knowledge, and the need to critically evaluate the reliability of information. Drawing on examples from daily life, Prof. Dr. Kılıç highlighted the importance of questioning the authenticity of messages claiming that recipients have won prizes and verifying information through multiple sources. Encouraging participants to reflect on their learning expectations and the experiences they would like to share with younger generations, Prof. Dr. Kılıç invited participants to identify a subject they wished to explore during the semester and establish a personal learning goal.
At the end of the first lecture, Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu presented EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç a bouquet. The event concluded with a group photo shoot.
